so the past few months i've been trying to put a 318 in my dakota and so far i've done just that but when it comes down to wiring the ignition system up i cant seem to achieve any spark and the motor is an 85 and the truck is a 96 what is wrong?

 

I don't believe an 85 motor is compatible with your OBDI or II computer controlled wiring harness. Of course you could simply replace your harness with a pre-1990 harness for the 318. Other than that, I doubt there is a work-around.

 

im actually trying to eliminate any type of computer system if at all possible because my motor is out of a diplomat

 

Sorry since this is all custom there is not much we can do over the Internet. Just get out a multimeter and start testing for correct and power and ground.

If you had a Magnum V8 before this swap the 85 in stock form will make less power. Heck the Magnum V6 probably made more horsepower then the 85 stock or even if it is lightly modified engine.

 

How about sourcing an wiring harness from a same-year, same-motor Diplomat or same-year truck?